Giants news, 6/8: B.J. Hill signs rookie deal

Good morning, New York Giants fans! In case you didn’t see it on Twitter Thursday or — gasp!!! — don’t use the Twitter thingy, the Giants announced that third-round pick B.J. Hill has signed his rookie contract.

That leaves only first-rounder Saquon Barkley and fifth-rounder R.J. McIntosh unsigned. These are slotted, but I understand Barkley not being signed yet. McIntosh? What’s up with that? Dude, sign your contract already!

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Let’s start with this. NFL analyst Gil Brandt has put the Giants, yes the Giants who went 3-13 a year ago, on his list of the league’ 10 most talented teams. At No. 10:

It might be shocking to see a three-win team on this list, even with all the buzz generated by rookie Saquon Barkley. But as I've written previously, Barkley is the best RB prospect I've graded in recent memory. Between Barkley and new left tackle Nate Solder, the Giants' offense is on the verge of imitating the defense's own free-agency-and-draft-fueled turnaround of two years ago. Barkley should top 1,000 yards while pushing for Offensive Rookie of the Year, while Odell Beckham will be healthy again and tight end Evan Engram serves as a real matchup nightmare for people in coverage. Eli Manning might be in his late 30s, but I still think he's three to four years away from the end. In short, New York has a chance to emulate Philly's worst-to-first run from last year -- especially if the Giants can master the Eagles in their head-to-head matches this season.

The Athletic Q&A: Giants coach Pat Shurmur on Eli, Odell and Saquon, the national anthem policy and what he learned from his last head coaching job – The Athletic

“I find that [3-13 a year ago] hard to believe,” he said. “Seasons go the way they go. I think what is important is we put that in our rearview mirror and try to become the best team we can be this year. I love the talent that we’ve assembled. Some of the players from a year ago in the mix with some of our new players now. This is going to be a fun roster to work with.”

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